LATEST TELEGRAMS.

Kumara Times, Issue 492, 25 April 1878, Page 2

LATEST TELEGRAMS.

[press agency. I Auckland, April 24. At forty minutes past two this morning a fire broke out at Newton, in a two-storey block, in which is Hansen's Queen's Hotel. Near this block was an old dilapidated Bhed, from which a policeman drove a loafer last night. The fire originated in the shed, and spread to the block. The Newton Fire Brigade had no hydrant, and the City Brigade, which followed, was a long time in obtaining a supply of water. During the delay, the fire spread to the Mona View Cottage, which was destroyed ; but the greater part of the furniture was saved. The hotel was also destroyed. Mona View was insured in the- New Zealand Company for £BOO. The hotel, stuck, and furniture were insured in the Phoenix, for £2OO, and the building for £250. Dunedin, April 23. In the appeal case to-day, Judge Johnston upheld the generally received view that the Tippling Act of George 11. is in force in the Colony, and that this Act precludes recovery for liquors supplied in less quantities than 20s worth at one time. Wellington, April 24. The salmon recently placed in the different rivers of this district, are reported by the settlers who have seen them to be thriving very well.

LATEST UNPUBLISHED

Wellington, April 25. A circular has been issued to the various Government departments to infoi m Civil servants that they must no longer rely upon the 40 th section of the Civil Service Act of 1876, providing a grant to their widows and families in case of death. Officers of the Government are expected to make provision for those dependant upon them by means of the Government Insurance system. It has been determined by the Ministry that in case of cadets in the Government service their time will not counit in length of service until they have been in receipt of a salary of a hundred pounds per annum. Christchurch, April 25. The settling on the .Races passed oft" satisfactorily. The Jockey Club paid over the followinga mounts : —Redwood, £695 ; Webb, £247 ; Mallock, £236 ; Ray, £137 ; Mackey, £123 ; O'Brien, £BS; Lunn, £2O. At the Magistrate's Court, Peter Pasche, for having a gambling table on the racecourse, was sentenced to 12 months' hard labor. The evidence showed that a hollow in the centre of the table contaiued machinery which enabled prisoner to stop the revolving needle wherever he wished, and thus swiudle the pu'.lic. with impunity. James Ryan, foi' playing the three-card, trick on the racecourse, was sentenced to nine months'hard labor. A man was buried by a fall of earth in a well on Shawl's track yesterday. A relief party, after three hcurs' digging, could hear the man speak, but had not, when last heard from, succeeded in accomplishing his rescue. Auckland, April 25. At the Bank of New Zetland half - yoatiy meeting t:>-iay the report showed

a nefcfc profit on 31st May, after making all deductions, of £82,567; balance from last half-year, £11,700, total, £94,267. It was disposed of thus—dividend and bonus 15 per cent, £54,375; increase to reserve fund, £25,000; balance to new account, £4983. The dividend will be payable at the head office to-morrow. The aggregate balance sheet shews debtor aud creditor amounting to £10,550,000.